Inequalities
We want to turn social exclusion on its head and shape a world of systemic inclusion. Are you in?
Striving for fairer, equal societies
Today’s inequalities are pervasive, large and multifaceted: there are huge disparities in wealth, health, income and educational attainment, and they often interact to reinforce one another.
These inequalities manifest within nations both as large income and wealth gaps among families and individuals, and as group-based differences, reinforced by institutionalised racism, discrimination based on gender or sexual identity, enduring caste or class systems, and longstanding religious or ethnic bigotry.
And they exist among nations—with over 700 million people still living under $2.15 per day in the Global South, while total billionaire wealth in the Global North has never been greater. There are also large international inequalities in life expectancy, child malnutrition, and educational achievement.
Three facts make inequality a key priority for action, research, and education. First, not only do many think considerable inequalities are intrinsically unfair, but there is also evidence that large inequalities are also instrumentally detrimental to the health, safety, and economic prosperity of nations.
Second, inequalities are durable and persistent. Privilege and disadvantage are both transmitted from parents to children, as are power and powerlessness. Worse yet, all the evidence suggests that this persistence is greater, the more unequal a country is – so that mobility and equality go together.
Third, inequalities shape the public perception of social justice and, therefore, political attitudes, the willingness to cooperate with others, and trust in institutions. Rebuilding support for democracy; fighting climate change; and harnessing technology for the common good will all require addressing egregious inequalities head on.
We are committed to addressing all of these pervasive social, political and economic inequalities, and to creating opportunity and upward mobility – by training future leaders, shaping policy that improves people’s lives, and convening the world to ensure everyone has a voice. Will you join us?
If you would like to discuss how you could partner with us to shape our work on inequalities, contact us at shapingtheworld@lse.ac.uk.
Building fairer, more inclusive work environments
The Inclusion Initiative at LSE (TII) brings together teaching, research and practice to understand the factors and offer the tools that improve inclusion at work. Using behavioural science insights and rigorous research, TII proposes cost-effective ways to build fairer, more collaborative work environments.
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Increasing access to higher education
LSE is a founding partner, alongside the Sutton Trust, in the Pathways programmes. These are programmes designed to support pupils from Years 12 and 13 from underrepresented backgrounds to access leading universities and develop successful careers in law, banking and finance.
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Alumni supporting BME students
The LSE BME Mentoring Scheme provides a structured programme of mentorship through which BME students at the School receive advice and guidance from alumni for their personal, academic and professional development.
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Shaping ideas for impact
Power transformative research to combat the pervasive inequalities that threaten our future.
Shaping transformative learning
Develop a new generation of global leaders who will shape a world of systemic inclusion where everyone has a voice.
Shaping our community
Our global LSE community working together to bring about change.